Legal Operations Specialist

Office of the SVP, General Counsel & Chief People Officer

Exempt, Regular, Full-time, Pay Grade 2.1

Location: Adelphi, Maryland, Hybrid (2-3 days a week onsite)

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) seeks a Legal Operations Specialist. Under direct supervision of the General Counsel and Chief People Officer, the Legal Operations Specialist provides professional executive level legal project management, workflow management, and paralegal support services to the Office of Legal Affairs and Institutional Compliance and Risk. This role plays a crucial part in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of UMGC's Legal department by managing and optimizing processes, systems, and tools to support the delivery of high-quality legal services. This role works with internal clients at all levels and must be able to adapt to changing business priorities while proactively identifying and operationalizing opportunities for improvement. In addition, this role is responsible for contract lifecycle management, legal technology management, internal reporting, initial triaging and other assistance related to Maryland public information act requests, and other duties and processes that include matters of a highly confidential or sensitive nature. This role requires a high level of discretion and strong communication, strategic thinking, analytical, organizational, time management, and technology skills.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Legal Systems Management: Oversee the management and optimization of legal systems, including matter management, contract lifecycle management, document management, and knowledge management systems.

• Project and Process Management: Drive and support strategic and operational initiatives. Identify opportunities for legal process improvements. Develop and implement strategies to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.

• Workflow Management: Support legal operations and administrative responsibilities, including triaging incoming requests, filing and managing documents, organizing meetings, and ensuring effective communication in the day-to-day workflow.

• Reporting: Create metrics, determining the right data to capture and identifying opportunities to do so, and report on and monitor progress to measure success, spot patterns, and identify opportunities.

• Stakeholder Support: Collaborate and communicate with the Legal team, University employees at all levels and other third parties to enhance departmental efficiency and support the implementation of legal advice.

• Record Requests: Coordinate responses to Public Information Act (“PIA) record requests, subpoenas, or other document requests in relation to litigation, government inquiries, or other areas by reviewing such requests, gathering documents, and coordinating with third parties as needed.

• Compliance: Support the Legal team in maintaining compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Assist with developing strategies and technology solutions for ensuring compliance. Assist with performing legal research as needed.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning.

• Five (5) years of relevant experience in legal operations, compliance, legal technology, legal project management, paralegal duties or a related legal role.

• Documented project management experience.

• Experience implementing process redesign and improvement initiatives.

• Experience selecting and using legal technology and general productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Sharepoint, SmartSheet, DocuSign or other e-signature software).

• Experience interpreting legal language and communicating requirements in a way that is easily understood by non-lawyers.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Strong analytical and independent problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop and implement effective solutions to complex operational challenges.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with diverse stakeholders across the University.

• Ability to be proactive, resourceful, responsive, organized, detail-oriented, and efficient.

• Ability to multitask and adjust to changing priorities in a professional manner.

• Strong collaboration skills to interact across all levels of the organization and with external third parties.

• Strong client-service orientation.

• Strong skill in proofreading and a high-level of accuracy in work.

• Ability to exercise considerable judgment and discretion in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.

All submissions should include a cover letter and resume.

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. UMGC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, ancestry, political affiliation or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Workplace Accommodations:

The University of Maryland Global Campus Global Campus (UMGC) is committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming and inclusive working environment for people of all abilities. UMGC is dedicated to the principle that no qualified individual with a disability shall, based on disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of the University, or be subjected to discrimination. For information about UMGC's Reasonable Workplace Accommodation Policy or to request an accommodation, applicants/candidates can contact Employee Accommodations via email at employee-accommodations@umgc.edu. 

Benefits Package Highlights:

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 days of paid vacation, 15 days of sick leave, 3 personal days, and 15 paid holidays (16 during general election years). For part-time employees, time off rates will be prorated based on the number of hours worked.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to health care, medical with vision, dental, and prescription plans for both individuals and families, effective from the 1st of the month following your hire date.
• Insurance Options: Term Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, and Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance. Part-time employees working less than 0.5 FTE are not eligible for LTD.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Available for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Retirement Plans: Choose between the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) or the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (MSRPS).
• Supplemental Retirement Plans: include 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and various Roth options. The university does not provide matching funds.
• Tuition Remission: Immediate availability for Regular Exempt Staff. Spouses and dependent children are eligible for undergraduate tuition remission after two years of service. NOTE: For part-time employees (at least 50 percent of the time), tuition remission benefits are prorated.

Hiring Range: